Alternative Materials

When is the last time you actually paid attention to the tag sewn to the inside of a shirt? Usually when I go shopping the tag I look at is the price tag to see if it’s affordable or not. It’s not until recently that I started being more aware of what materials go into making all our clothes.

Most of the clothing sold in the USA is made of synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon. Stuff that is cheap to produce and thus means a cheaper price tag. It confirms to the American demand for cheap and plentiful products. Those materials aren’t great for you though and can be smelly and pretty hot on a warm day. Even though those clothes might be cheap initially they also don’t last very long. I’ve been being more careful to always check the type of fabric before I buy anything. 100% cotton is much harder to find that I thought! Organic and recycled fabrics are even harder to find.

Pricier but lasts longer
This isn’t always the case but overall I’ve found that brands with higher price points tend to have better quality items. The upfront cost will be more but then the clothes will last much longer. I used to shop at places like Forever 21 where everything inevitable gets a hole or a few holes in it. Everything is pretty inexpensive there but they don’t bother making the clothes well because they figure most people change their wardrobes every season.

Better for my health
I have sensitive skin and a lot of things can set off some irritations. Breathable fabrics like cotton are much better and feel more comfortable. It doesn’t stick to me as much and as I wear it gets softer over time.

Earth-friendly
Synthetic fabrics are made using petroleum and chemical processes. Organic cotton and alternatives like bamboo and hemp uses process with less chemicals and no bleaching. It’s definitely more expensive to buy but if it’s better for the environment I’m for it!

Slowly my wardrobe is turning over from cheap synthetic fabrics to ones that will last much longer. A lot of my tees and tanks actually have holes in it but I’m trying to be frugal and use it til it falls off. Haha the life of someone trying to save money!

I agree in paying for quality over quantity. Even organic cotton takes a lot of water, so except for undergarments, or specialty items, I shop exclusively at thrift stores. There are many high quality items with tags on them and cute, cute clothes. Plus, since many of them have been warn and washed, many of the chemicals have dissipated. And, it is much cheaper. Win-win-win!

I also try to only buy personal care products that come in recycled packaging or made with recycled materials.Green Girl Success recently posted…Does This Car Make Me Look Fat?

Thrift stores are definitely an option for finding good clothing. It can be such a treasure trove of finds! Some good, some not so great. I’m moving towards being more conscious of what I buy, but it’ll take me time to discover brands I like again.